Click here to subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania's Columns
Illinois 9th Congressional District News, Amiwala, Cohen and Andrew
Bushra Amiwala, Jeff Cohen, and Phil Andrew discuss fundraising achievements in battle to suceed Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky in March 2026 Democratic election primary
Momentum Grows as Bushra Amiwala Unites Youth Leaders, Faith Groups, and Local Advocates Behind Her Campaign
SKOKIE, IL — Bushra Amiwala, candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 9th District, today announced new endorsements from Next Gen Politics (IL and National Chapters), and the Northern Illinois American Muslim Alliance (NIAMA) — reflecting her continued success in bringing together young leaders, faith communities, and civic advocates from across the district.
These new endorsements build on Amiwala’s growing record of uniting diverse constituencies — from grassroots youth movements to established community leaders — around a campaign defined by service, inclusion, and capable leadership.
“I’m honored to have the support of these organizations and their members,” said Amiwala.
“They each represent the best of our district — engaged citizens, faith leaders, and organizers who care deeply about building a fairer, more inclusive future. We’re working together to ensure that every voice in this district is heard and represented.”
Next Gen Politics, a youth-led advocacy group, endorsed Amiwala for her record as one of the nation’s first Gen Z elected officials and her ongoing commitment to mentoring young people in civic life.
“Bushra Amiwala represents the new generation of leaders—compassionate, energetic, and deeply connected to her community in Illinois’ 9th District. At Next Gen Politics Illinois, we proudly endorse her because she fights fearlessly for her constituents and isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo,” said Next Gen Politics in a statement. “As the leader of a rapid response team in Skokie, Bushra has actively participated in protests, standing up against systemic issues, even in confrontations with ICE agents. Her deep-rooted commitment to her community reflects her understanding of its struggles and aspirations. In these challenging times, we need Bushra in Congress to effectively represent our voices and interests.”
NIAMA (Northern Illinois American Muslim Alliance), one of the region’s leading Muslim community organizations, praised Amiwala’s inclusive leadership and tangible results as an elected official.
“Bushra Amiwala is the candidate who best reflects understanding of the full diversity and vibrant tapestry of the 9th Congressional District,” said Vaseem Iftekhar, Chairman and Founder of NIAMA. “Through her extensive social and political work, she has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of our communities’ needs. We especially applaud her leadership on the Halal and Kosher School Lunch Act, for which she testified in Springfield and spearheaded implementation in her school district as a board member — making it one of the first in the state to adopt the program even before it became law. Bushra has the experience, commitment, and vision to seamlessly transition into the role of an outstanding Congresswoman.”
These announcements follow Amiwala’s previous wave of endorsements from Northside Democracy for America, the Cook County Latino Democrats, and more than a dozen local elected officials and community leaders, including former Congresswoman Marie Newman (IL-03) and former congressional candidate Miracle Jenkins (IL-09). Those endorsements, announced last week, featured school board members, park and library trustees, and municipal officials from across the district.
Amiwala’s campaign continues to highlight her ability to bring together people of different backgrounds and perspectives to address shared priorities — from affordability and education to healthcare access and immigrant rights.
“What unites this coalition is a belief that good government begins with empathy and accountability,” Amiwala said. “We’re building a campaign that reflects the full diversity of our district — and the momentum continues to grow. I am so grateful for the support and will continue working tirelessly to represent every corner of our district.”
To learn more or get involved, visit bushraforcongress.com.
Phil Andrew Raises $725,000 in First Quarter of Congressional Campaign
Wilmette, IL. – Since announcing his bid for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District on July 8th, Phil Andrew has raised over $725,000. A Wilmette native, Phil has inspired hope and excitement from supporters across the state, with nearly 70% of his support coming from Illinoisans ready for change in Washington.
Phil Andrew entered the crowded Democratic primary field as a lifelong public servant (amidst many career politicians) committed to taking on violence, corruption, and fighting for common sense in a time of polarization and noise. His first fundraising report signifies voters are responding to his message and experience and want new leadership in Congress. Backed by a growing coalition, Andrew’s campaign is quickly gaining momentum, setting himself apart in an increasingly competitive race.
“I am inspired that so many supporters, including many for the first time, are willing to invest and join our team in this time of fear, hopelessness, and chaos. As I listen across this district, people are tired of performative politics and want principled leadership with the ability and experience to work with others to solve problems,” Andrew said in response to the impressive fundraising numbers. “Our nation is in crisis and our fundraising support shows that IL-09 wants a leader with the right experience to get our country back on track. We’ve built a winning team right here in District 9, and we are ready for the fight.”
Phil Andrew is the Principal of PAX Group, LLC, a global crisis and conflict consultancy, driven by the knowledge that Safe People Thrive™️ and helping leaders and organizations be resilient in their missions. Phil has over 35 years of professional experience building teams to take on complex problems and circumstances. He is a former FBI Agent and Hostage Negotiator, a survivor of the 1988 Laurie Dann attack in Winnetka, IL. As a lawyer, investigator, mediator, former FBI agent, and crisis negotiator and small business owner, Phil knows it is critical to have healthy institutions and systems that protect and support people.To learn more visit: www.philandrewforcongress.com
Jeff Cohen brings in $430k in just three weeks after launch to close the quarter
EVANSTON, IL.— Jeff Cohen, candidate for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, announced today that his campaign brought in over $430,000 in the three weeks between his launch on September 9th and the end of the quarter.
“Every day I talk to people who are very concerned about the state of our democracy, but also the state of our economy: how they are going to be able to afford healthcare, groceries, and housing. I’m running because for 30 years I’ve worked on how folks are made better or worse off by government policies and businesses’ decisions, and I understand how to fix the economy to make our lives more affordable,” he said.
The total includes money contributed by Jeff and his wife Kim. “The message we are bringing to the district is really important, and we wanted to signal how much we believe by contributing financially ourselves. I intend to compete and win this race and will do whatever I can to make sure I am the Democratic nominee after the
primary,” he added.
The Numbers:
● Over $430,000 brought in just three weeks
● Nearly 400k on hand
● Jeff put in $200k
Jeff Cohen has worked for 30 years on some of the biggest economic issues facing consumers, businesses and the government. He has worked in healthcare, technology and finance, as well as entertainment: Jeff was a critically-acclaimed musician for much of his life. He’s owned small businesses, authored a textbook on economics, and is involved in healthcare and job program nonprofits. Jeff has lived in the 9th District for over 25 years, both in the City of Chicago and in Evanston, where he and his wife raised three, proud public school graduates. Jeff was born in India, grew up one of six children in downstate Illinois, and holds BA and MBA degrees from the University of Chicago.
Click here to subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania's Columns
His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].
Follow RayHanania at Twitter
